WHAT MAKES a good aviation event? is it the people, the organisers, or the sponsors like Suzuki, Capital Sounds and too many others to mention? Or is it the commitment of the attendees and the pilots who flew from all over South Africa to join in the fun of the annual EAA Sun ‘n Fun hosted by the Bloemfontein Flying club at Tempe Airfield over the weekend of October 23 to 25?
Well, to put it very simply, yes, it is all of the above! Without me waxing lyrical too much, EAA Sun ‘n Fun 2009 has gone down in the record book as one of the best, if not the best, aviation event of the year. This great event was in the true spirit of EAA with lots of aviation adrenalin-filled aviators all speaking the same language.
This year’s event drew over 75 aircraft not including the locals. Despite the strong winds, the fun rally arranged by Mary de Klerk and Frank Eckard under the auspices of the South African Power Flying Association (SAPFA) went ahead. Sixteen aircraft entered the fun rally, which covered a distance of just over 80 nm.
Back on the ground, a forum on the use of GPS was conducted by Karl Jensen.
This annual Sun ‘n Fun event gives EAA members an opportunity to get together and show off their pride and joy as well as to meet, discuss and swop ideas on home built aircraft. An attempt to form the ‘Piper Tribe’, which is open to all vintage Piper aircraft owners, was not to be, as the prevailing weather prevented many aircraft from attending the event, but, as a result, there were not enough members to formalise a committee, which has now been held over to next year.
To sum up the event, I quote parts of an edited email received from the main organiser, Jack Onderstall: “We need to make sure we identify all of those that carry the same spirit and passion in aviation as we do. It's easy to recognise them with a simple question. You ask them to help and they have no excuses, they come running.
“Chris Briers, my friend, procured a fortune in prizes for us to award. (I make one call and "Voila”) How to make Chris happy? Put him into a high performance aircraft like the Legacy and see his expression change, then you experience his real passion, how he flies an aircraft.
“Why was Brian Emmenis there? Stupid question, the mans’ heart pumps Avgas and Jet A1. Brian is committed to EAA with a passion second to none. (Can you imagine the event if we didn't have these special people.) Karl Jensen worked himself to a stand still. His passion for excellence and dedication are of the highest order.
“Why did Dave Mandel bring the L39 up from PE? Dave carried the full cost himself! You ask a dedicated accomplished pilot, like the Smith brothers to show case their immaculate Tiger Moth, and "Viola". People like Chris, Karl, Dave and Brian, are few and far between and we need to nurture and look after that spirit. This goes for all of us that have that dedication and passion and are able to give of our time for others.
“We all know who they are. Not many actually experienced the proficiency of air traffic control by a master of note Stanley Schimper. If you were lucky enough to have flown at the event you, too, would have thought that this man does it for a living. Stanley you were amazing!
“To Suzuki our generous main sponsors: No words to adequately thank you. What is more important is that you guys are passionate aviating enthusiasts, thanks to Francois, Derick and Margaret.” Need I say more, except, see you all next year.”
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